As if cleaning out your garage isn't a horrible enough project, it's a double whammy to finally complete the project only to get hit with a lot of extra charges because your rented dumpster was overloaded or not loaded correctly. Thankfully, armed with a bit of knowledge, you can avoid this fate.
If you are renting a dumpster for your upcoming garage clean-out project, then these tips will help you avoid additional dumpster rental fees:
Tip: Decide on an Appropriate Place for the Dumpster
When you call to order your dumpster, they will ask you where you want to have it placed. Once in place, you can't move the dumpster because they are very heavy.
Your dumpster should be located near the garage you are cleaning out to save you a lot of extra walking and carrying heavy items. However, the location must be free of:
- electrical power lines
- overgrown trees or vegetation
- parked cars
If the waste disposal company tries to deliver your dumpster and finds there is no appropriate location, then they will charge you a fee for a failed delivery. You can avoid this fee by ensuring there is an appropriate place for the dumpster when it arrives.
Tip: Don't Overfill the Dumpster
All trash dumpsters have a "fill line" inside of them. If you overfill the dumpster or fill it with overly heavy items like broken concrete, then you will be charged extra fees.
Tip: Keep All Prohibited Items Out of the Dumpster
There are many things in your garage that cannot be disposed of in a rented "household waste" dumpster, including:
- appliances
- asbestos-containing materials
- car tires
- car batteries
- concrete
- electronics
- grease and oil
- hazardous materials
- hot water heater tanks
- paint
When your dumpster is dumped at the landfill, you will be charged extra fees if they see any prohibited items in the load. In fact, certain items such as asbestos and motor oil can make your dumpster load be marked as "contaminated" and this will require special disposal at a lot higher cost to you.
Tip: Ensure The Waste Company Can Access the Dumpster for Removal
Finally, when your garage is clean and it's time to haul off the dumpster, make sure the waste disposal company has easy access to remove the rental dumpster. If they send out a truck and the driver can't get to the dumpster because cars are parked in the way or you have furniture items sitting in front of it, then you will be charged an extra fee for the failed pickup.
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